Which manufacturer is set to smash world speed record with this 2,400HP custom truck?

Which manufacturer is set to smash world speed record with this 2,400HP custom truck?

Dubbed the Iron Knight, Volvo's best technicians and engineers have birthed what might just be the fastest, most radical truck in the world.

The custom-built truck features a mid-mounted D13 engine, the same unit that sits in the road-going Volvo FH, but it's now got four turbochargers and a whole lot more boost, churning out a massive 2,400HP and 6,000Nm of torque.

The Swedish manufacturer plans to use the truck with renowned racing driver Boije Ovebrink behind the wheel, to break two world speed records; 500 and 1,000 metres from standstill.

"The Iron Knight is the perfect way to showcase the competence and innovative power of Volvo Trucks," said Claes Nilsson, president and chief executive officer at Volvo Trucks.

"At the same time, our aim was to generate new insights into technical and design solutions.

"The intention is to transfer some of these to our series-produced trucks."

The engine management software and electronics have been fine-tuned to allow the I-Shift Dual Clutch transmission to communicate with the powerhouse of an engine.

Interestingly, and testament to the bulletproof I-Shift gearboxes, the only modification to the transmission despite the huge torque numbers is a reinforced clutch.

"In order to beat a world speed record, you have to have exceptional performance," said Niklas Öberg, one of the test engineers at Volvo Trucks.

"The I-Shift Dual Clutch is the best possible transmission for the job since it maintains torque on the drive wheel during gear changes, just like a racing car does.

"Thanks to this The Iron Knight can accelerate without losing vital time during gear changes."

The design process was key in designing a speed machine capable of setting world records, and senior designer for Volvo Trucks Nigel Atterbury puts the level of detail into perspective.

"The cab is made of fibreglass and designed to cut air resistance to an absolute minimum," he said.

"The side-skirts give the truck an impressive stance with their large air ducts that supply the engine with cooling-air.

"The Iron Knight has an attractive and powerful design inspired by today's Volvo FH.

"You just have to look at the vehicle to realise that this is a truly fast truck.

"Even when it's at a standstill it looks like it's on the move."

To see the record-breaking run for yourself, head to Volvo Trucks' social media channels on the August 24.